The negotiation

Speckles let out a heavy sigh of relief, having successfully convinced the queen that a truce was a far preferable option the trio of Speckles, her son Haze and the newly met cryo Toast now had the challenging task of swaying the islanders into a truce. The older Cryo was honestly unsure if this was something that had to be done but for the sake of both sides it was the best shot at resolving this without bloodshed. Her tired eyes assessed her group, herself an admittedly past prime cryo, a younger spritely cryo and a half grown Carno was hardly the dream team she needed but perhaps it would be enough. 

 

Bringing her family on board would be easy, with the exception of Brambles who was often recalcitrant. She’d also spoken to some other islanders that seemed to get along well with the Atlanteans, she recalled their names were Fin and Spot, though she wasn’t too sure how strong their family tree was. There were a few other she’d seen in passing while down here, an atopo stood out as one such friend to the Atlanteans though she was unsure of her name. Regardless of names and species there was a substantial amount of islanders that had befriended the locals and would likely be the first to agree to a truce. 

 

Setting their sights on converting others that were yet to get to know or come to like the Atlanteans she made her way around the inside of the dome talking with any islander that would listen and sending them off to spread the word and encourage more allies to the cause. Haze trailed along behind her for the duration of her mission and soon the pair regrouped with Toast ready for the next step of their plan. “Let’s head to the surface and speak with any dinosaurs that are working to destroy the plants that were spread on the surface.” It was simple in thought but would prove far more challenging no doubt. 

 

“…”

 

Toast was relieved that the queen seemed to accept an attempted truce. After she had the chance to move off of the ceremony stage, she pushed her way through the crowd and ran up to Brunhilda, embracing the bald ovi. Unprepared and ambushed, Brunhilda first started flailing, but quickly realized who has hugging her and she hugged her back as tight as she could, Celena now excitedly stomping on the floor, wanting to say hi to Toast.

“I am so glad the two of you are okay.. I assume you heard Speckle’s suggestion?” Toast said as she bent down to scratch the fluffy atopo.

“I didn’t hear anything, actually.. I could only hear my heartbeat..” Brunhilda nervously chuckled. “I’m afraid, Toast. I promise, I didn’t know..”

”It’s okay, I know you wouldn’t hide this from us. Do you want to come with us? It might honestly help our cause if someone from here is on our side.” Toast said as she gave Brunhilda yet another hug. They both needed comfort and support right now.

“Yes, I will come with you. I must. I have to make things right.” Brunhilda replied, more determined than ever to undo the harm her fellow brothers and sister had caused. “I just hope they don’t see my actions as betrayal..”

“Don’t worry love, the Queen herself gave us this task. I’m sure it will be okay.” Toast assured her frightened girlfriend. “We will be okay.”

 

Now with Brunhilda and Celena by her side, Toast sought out Speckles and Haze again, as they tried to recruit more dinos to join in their task. Most seemed rather hesitant, probably afraid of the queen and her court. But Toast didn’t want to give up.

“Hi, sorry for running off.. This is Brunhilda, she’s on our side.” Toast said and gestured to the brown, bald oviraptor. “And we also have Celena but her presence won’t make much of a difference.” she also chuckled as the little atopo waddled towards Speckles.

After introductions, Speckles suggested that they head up to the surface, which was likely a good idea. Up there they would undoubtedly be able to find more dinosaurs who did not want their home ruined nor their lives at risk. Toast was hopeful that they could form an alliance that could convince the Queen that there was another way.

 

It almost felt like an eternity since Toast had seen the surface and been able to breathe some fresh air. But she also felt like she didn’t have time to enjoy it, considering they only had a few days to get this settled.

“Any idea where to start?” Brunhilda asked Speckles, hoping that she had some contacts on the surface.

 

“…”

 

Speckles warmly greeted both of the new additions, she ensured Haze also introduced himself as not to be rude. Speckles thought for a moment at Brunhilda’s question. I think the easiest place to start is with my pack, they can spread out and help us spread the word and they’ll be easiest to convince. Speckles had already sent off the others she had recruited to go tell their packs and herds. Without delay Speckles led the group to her home territory. After a brief discussion with her daughters Powder, Brambles and Maw they set out to tell their friends and acquaintances. Like a wild fire the news of the truce jumped from one group to the next, the urgency and the matter not lost on any of the dinos who were informed. 

 

The news that had been spread was for the islanders to gather at the watering hole, a common and neutral space known to all. By dusk dinosaurs of all species had gathered around the cool waters of the pond, by the time Speckles, Haze and the others arrived there were already tense discussions being held. Some dinosaurs strongly opposed the truce and others all in favor for, then there were some unsure or in between. Speckles and Brunhilda took the spotlight standing centre stage with Haze, Toast and Celena close behind showing their support.